Volkswagen has introduced a plan to produce 20 new vehicle models within three years.  This is an international effort to increase yearly deliveries to eight million cars by the year 2011.

Volkswagen plans to put out products in all of the various vehicle categories.  However, its plan emphasizes a gain in market share in the van, pickup and SUV divisions.  The expansion of the portfolio will go with a yearly increase in production of 10 percent.

Last year Volkswagen put out 6.2 million vehicles.  Their goal is to deliver 8 million cars to motorists by the year 2011.

A large part of Volkswagen’s plan over the next three years is focused on the improvement of their vehicles’ environmental criteria.  It is going to reduce dependency on oil and gas.  To do this it will optimize its TSI and TDI engine and use a shift gearbox.  It is also researching fuel cells, hybrids and electric drives that are plug in.

Rising taxes, oil prices rising, and boosting awareness about the change in climate have led consumers to demand vehicles that are environmentally friendly.  Also, motorists want peace of mind, which they can achieve with a dependable car and an auto warranty.  Volkswagen is listening to consumer needs and taking action.  The trend will be that other manufacturers will follow suit.

Car enthusiasts always want to buy a hot car. These are the cars that are very desirable and hard to find. Everyone has heard about these vehicles and they want to have the first one on their block. These are the vehicles that you wouldn’t dare take out of your driveway without an auto warranty.

So, what are the cars that are hot now?

The Dodge Challenger is on its way to showrooms. It is a hot muscle car that won’t last long. Also, BMW has an all-new 1 Series that people are buzzing about. Jaguar has made the XF sedan that is sexy and selling fast.

The Honda Fit is so hot that buyers might have a fit trying to find one. The mini cooper is a car that is perpetually hot, due to high demand and limited production.

Waiting lists are forming for Chevrolet’s Camaro that has been reborn. The same is true for a super hot Corvette ZR1 coming out in the fall.

If you are one of the car enthusiasts who must have the new hot car, dive in. However, make sure that you protect your gem with new car warranties, a routine maintenance plan and a good insurance policy.

Gas prices are up to $3 a gallon, a driver’s worst nightmare. Even though it isn’t much more than $2.95, it seems like it to motorists. It is predicted that gas will reach $4 a gallon by summertime.

Sales of large vehicles are being affected. This is especially true of large SUV’s and pickup trucks. For example, Chevrolet has noticed a major drop in sales of the Suburban and the Tahoe. However, their crossover models are doing well, such as the Enclave.

People are now interested in smaller vehicles that have good fuel-efficiency. Motorists feeling the squeeze also go for pre-owned models that are inexpensive.

Ford dealerships around the nation have sold 35% more of the Focus. This is a compact sedan that was redesigned for the 2008 season. Also, Chevrolet Cobalt sales went up 50%.

Even though small cars are hot, it means a loss for automakers because compact cars are less expensive.

Buyers need to consider a variety of factors when buying a car. This includes not only gas prices, but maintenance costs, insurance costs, and finding a good auto warranty.

Buying a new vehicle is an exciting event in most people’s lives.  People often want to flaunt their priceless possessions for everyone to see.  Drivers purchase an auto warranty to protect their jewels, and treat their cars with loving care. In addition, they try not to let their vehicle get any scratches. A car that is scratch free and has a shiny finish is a good reflection of its owner and brings a lot of driving pleasure.

However, with heavy traffic that is bumper to bumper, it is difficult to keep your beautiful gem scratch free.  In fact, it is inevitable that your vehicle will receive a scratch or two no matter what measures you take.

Never fear, you don’t have to spend thousands at a shop getting your entire car panel painted.  You can use Com-Paint, which is a touch up spray that allows you to say goodbye to scratches.  Follow these simple tips.

On small scratches you can use Aeroshot Top Cut to remove and cleanse the surface that is scratched.  This will most likely take care of the scratches so that they won’t need painting.

For medium scratches level with 1000 No. Emery paper.  Shake the can well and hold it 12” from the surface and use a stroking motion to spray.  Make sure the coats are light, not heavy.  Let the painted area dry at least 72 hours.

Car owners like to feel like their vehicles are brand new.  Simple things can allow you to do this such as touch-up painting, routine maintenance, and purchasing new car warranties to protect your vehicle. These simple things can keep your car seeming brand-new.

You know that the trend for green cars has come of age when Hummer and Lamborghini get in on the picture.

The manufacturers of supercars for $400,000 and high-end SUV’s have realized that they need to keep us with small, efficient car models.  People desire lightweight, economical vehicles as opposed to heavy gas-guzzlers.

Lamborghini has an updated version of its Gallardo at $222,000.  Its new design is more “green” because it emits less CO2.  This is the greenhouse gas that is responsible for the change in the climate.

However, cutting 20 kg off of a 202 mph vehicle is not exactly radical.  This is why leading manufacturers, such as Toyota are making a big impact in the car industry.  It is hard to truly make a supercar or SUV green, although it is impressive that Hummer and Lamborghini are making an attempt.

Green or not, whatever car you purchase, make sure that you have an auto warranty to protect your investment.  You don’t want to find yourself paying unnecessary expenses for auto repairs.

Almost every vehicle that has front wheel-drive uses car struts on the front.  They aren’t just shock absorbers.  They integrate many different suspension parts into one assembly.  Included are the spring seats, coil spring, shock absorbers, steering knuckle, and strut bearing.

The shock absorber is the part of the strut that is commonly serviced the most.

The strut has many different purposes that it serves.  Because of the spring, the strut can support the vehicle’s weight while it’s traveling and allows for adaptations of road irregularities.  The shock absorber that is internal will dampen the spring’s movement while it is compressing and rebounding.

The function of the strut housing is structural.  It connects the bearing in the upper strut to the ball joint down below.  This allows the whole assembly to pivot as someone turns the steeling wheel.

It is a good idea to have your vehicle’s suspension system checked by a service technician that is qualified.  The struts in a car should be checked once a year, along with the alignment of wheels.  You never know when car parts will wear out, so an auto warranty, as well as regular maintenance is a necessary part of your routine.

For sports car enthusiasts the supercar is the “Holy Grail”.  The supercar is a sports car that is very high-end that features exceptional power and handling.

These cars can be a challenge to find, and even more challenging to afford for most drivers.

Many of these vehicles that are cutting edge must be special ordered straight from the factory.  This means that they are very unique and get a big “ooh” factor.

But how do you recognize a supercar from a regular high-end sports car?  There are three defining features that set them apart.  First of all, their appearance is exotic.  Secondly, their speed is extremely fast.  Also, they have cornering and handling that is world-class.

Most supercars are imports.  The most prominent models are Italian made.

Such models as Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Masserati all fall under the supercar label.  This is due to their impeccable engineering, rareness, top performance, and over the top sticker price.  Prices can be up and above one million dollars.

Supercar owners take great pride in their automobiles.  Also important is an auto warranty to protect these gems.

Every year there are more than 10,000 vehicle accidents in the nation and approximately 450 people die as a result of the collisions. Many of these accidents can be avoided by having routine maintenance performed on your car. In addition, many people neglect to have an auto warranty that will cover their car in case of a collision.

The vehicle is by far the most popular means of transportation in the U.S. In fact, 91% of adults in our country own, or have owned a car.

Before you hit the road again, check the following parts of your car to make sure that they are operating properly.

First, take a look at your tires. Many people neglect to check their tires and end up with blowouts. Make sure that your air levels are good. You can reference your owner’s manual to find out what the right level should be. Also, you want to make sure that there aren’t any leaks, low treads, or worn spots.

Next, change your windshield wipers about twice in a year. Your windshield is actually one of the most important parts of your car because if you can’t see the road well you are in trouble.

Brakes should be monitored to make sure they are working correctly. If your brake pedal is moving all the way down to the floor when you step on it, have your brakes looked at by a professional. More recent cars have a warning system to let you know if your brakes aren’t operating correctly.

Maintenance can save you from a dangerous accident. To save your wallet, make sure you have a good auto warranty that will keep you from paying unnecessary repair costs. You don’t want to find yourself unprepared.

Honda has been named the automaker that sells the best cars in the U.S. by consumer reports.  This is the second year in row.  They based their decision on many factors from the comfort of the vehicle to reliability.

Toyota was ranked second, and Subaru third.  Next were BMW, Mazda, Nissan and then Volkswagen.  There weren’t any domestic vehicles on the list.

Other vehicle winners for various segments are as follows.  The Toyota Prius was the best green car, the Hyundai Elantra was rated the highest as a small sedan, the Honda Accord was the leading family sedan, the Mazda MX-5 Miata was named the most fun car, the Toyota RAV4 ranked as the top of the small SUV’s, and The Chevy Silverado was the highest ranked pickup truck.

It is important to remember that the most important cost isn’t the sticker price, but how much it costs to own a vehicle.  In fact, a vehicle with a sticker price that is low can end up costing more than a vehicle with a higher sticker price.  This can be the case when you factor in the cost of owning the vehicle over a five-year period.  These costs include fuel, depreciation, insurance, new car warranties, maintenance, sales tax, and interest on your loan.

For example, with these costs the Mitsubishi Lancer would cost approximately $5,000 less than a Mini Cooper.  The Mini Cooper costs approximately $3,000 more for the owner over a five-year period.

Make sure to factor in these variables when deciding what car to purchase.  And of course, purchase an auto warranty to protect your investment.  You never really know how reliable your car will be in the end.

You may find it difficult to find a reliable car for a good price; however, a used car may be your best option.  There are hundreds of pre-owned vehicle models that offer good reliability.  Many of these are also affordable, fuel-efficient and safe.

Vehicles with improved reliability have made pre-owned an appealing option.  Another good thing about purchasing a used car is that the depreciation impact is reduced.  Also, insurance rates are usually less expensive, and it is easy to find used car warranties.

According to the Consumer Reports “Best of the Best” car list, certain cars have showed good performance in road tests and have been above average in reliability for several years.  This list includes models from BMW, Honda, Buick, Infiniti, Mazda, Lexus, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, Volvo, Acura, Pontiac and Subaru.

Their “Worst of the Worst” list includes vehicles that have had several years of below average reliability.  These models include Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Volkswagen, Dodge, Kia, GMC, Jeep, Land Rover, Chrysler, Chevrolet, and Mercedes-Benz.

Consider buying a used car that has proven reliable for several years.  Also, buy an auto warranty to protect your investment so you can have peace of mind.